The Delightful 13th Century Château de Ratilly with its Spectacular Selection of Turreted Towers

Guests who cruise aboard luxury hotel barge Renaissance enjoy an excursion to the beautiful Château de Ratilly and its permanent collection of local stoneware dating from the sixteenth to the twentieth centuries. In the castle’s workshops, we see traditional pottery being made and learn about this artisanal craft for ourselves.

With origins in the 11th century, the Château de Ratilly as we see it today was built on existing foundations in the 13th century. Today Ratilly is a creative centre for the arts and a pottery workshop, continuing a local tradition which has existed since the Roman occupation of France. The château was transformed into a fine residence during the Renaissance when many of its defences were no longer needed. Arrow slits were opened into large windows and some of the towers were developed for other purposes.

What is Hotel Barging?

Despite the growing popularity of cruising, especially on large river vessels, hotel barging is still a little known niche concept. Most hotel barges started life as cargo vessels but have since been painstakingly converted to offer luxury boutique accommodation for small groups of up to 20 passengers.

This is cruising, but in a very different style to ships plying the big rivers or oceans. The pace is slow, with a 6 day cruise covering maybe just 50 miles along a rural canal. Passengers can walk or bike the towpaths as their floating hotel glides gently along. Guests enjoy an intimate atmosphere, high levels of personal service and immersion into the culture, history and gastronomy of regions of Europe such as Burgundy, the Midi, or the Italian Veneto.

Every day there is an excursion, perhaps to a chateau, a vineyard for a wine tasting, or some other ‘off the beaten track’ location. About half of European Waterways’ bookings are for whole boat charters, ideal for families. Otherwise, clients book a cabin to join other like-minded people. A ‘slow boat’ European Waterways barge cruise offers the ultimate in experiential travel. A truly unique experience!

European Waterways offer luxury hotel barge cruises on the beautiful canals and rivers of Europe, such as through Burgundy, the Midi, Alsace, the Po Valley, Holland and the Scottish Highlands.

The exclusive collection of hotel barges accommodate up to 20 passengers who may charter a whole barge with family or friends, or join a small group of like-minded travellers on an individual cabin basis.

Each barge is fully crewed with a Captain, chef, hostesses, deck-hand and tour guide. The 6-night cruises include gourmet meals, fine wines, open bar, excursions and the use of facilities such as bicycles and spa pools.

http://www.europeanwaterways.com/